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Is it worth it to stay in Cascais?

Just 15 miles west of Lisbon, Cascais has stunning beaches, 19th-century mansions, amazing seafood restaurants, fort, lighthouse and fantastic farmers market. It's the perfect place to stay for visits to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Sintra Cascais National Park. Neutral during World War II, it was also a hub for spies.



Staying in Cascais is absolutely worth it, especially if you want a sophisticated blend of coastal beauty, historic charm, and proximity to Lisbon. Located just 30 minutes by train from the Portuguese capital, Cascais offers a much more relaxed, "resort" feel than the bustling city. It features beautiful sandy beaches like Praia da Rainha, world-class seafood restaurants, and the dramatic "Boca do Inferno" (Hell’s Mouth) cliffs. The town is highly walkable, with a charming "Old Town" filled with boutiques and cafes. It also serves as an excellent base for exploring the fairytale palaces of Sintra or the rugged surfing beaches of Guincho. While hotels in Cascais can be more expensive than those in central Lisbon, the quality of life—marked by fresh sea air, scenic coastal walks, and a safe, upscale environment—provides excellent value. It is the perfect choice for travelers who want to spend their mornings sightseeing in the city and their afternoons lounging by the Atlantic Ocean, enjoying the "Portuguese Riviera" lifestyle that has attracted royalty and celebrities for over a century.

People Also Ask

Many first-time travelers wonder whether it is better to stay in Lisbon or Cascais. But for those who are interested in waking up to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the small town of Cascais is the perfect place to stay.

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Estoril has a single main attraction; the Casino, and there are almost no historic buildings in Estoril. There are sufficient sights in Cascais to fill a full day of sightseeing, and this is why it is a popular day trip from Lisbon.

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The cost of living in Cascais reflects its location by the sea, its proximity to Lisbon, and the lifestyle it offers.

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Cascais prides itself - and rightly so. It currently has 16 museums, two urban parks and they can all be visited by foot. On the center there are old family houses transformed into museums, royal palaces, and buildings designed by Pritzker prize winnners and a cultural center with exhibitions.

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Areas to Avoid in Lisbon There aren't any no-go areas in Lisbon, but the neighborhoods around Intendente, Martim Moniz and Anjos are best avoided at night.

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The best time to go to Cascais Sea temperature ranges from 138°F to 154°F. The rainiest months are: february, december and november. We recommende the month of april, may, june, july, august, september, october, to visit Cascais.

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Insight: If you are considering a day trip to Sintra and Cascais, never try to combine them in a single day. Both towns need at least one day of sightseeing to fully appreciate, and two days could be easily spent in Sintra.

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Cascais is one of the towns in Portugal with the best quality of life. Not only is it a beautiful coastal town, but it is also surrounded by green parks and forests. Being able to breathe fresh air and stroll in the many parks is said to be one of the secrets of the longevity and happiness of the Cascalenses.

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A picturesque beach, Praia da Rainha is a 50-meter beach that is a cozy treasure nestled in the heart of Cascais. It earned its regal name when Queen Amelia of Portugal made it her beloved spot. With its crystal-clear waters and soft sand, it's an ideal place for a rejuvenating swim or a laid-back sunbathing session.

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All of the main tourist attractions in Cascais can be easily walked to, with none of the steep hills that you would encounter in Lisbon and Sintra.

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